There are many self-help books, spiritual books and even traditional educational values which emphasizes the word "purpose." Our psychology, our self-worth in our society, our sense of belonging to something… all of that is defined with the word purpose.

If you write something, there is a purpose. If you do something, there is a purpose. If you own something there is a purpose; thus, we ask ourselves… what is the purpose of life?

Thereby, our answer is already arranged so we could answer: "the purpose of life is…"That is the wrong question to ask.

Purpose is needed when we are not part of the whole. As long as there is an "I," a motive, a "raison d'être," there will be a purpose.

"My purpose in life is this and that." We have automatically caged our own potential based on an idea.This idea may remain for a long time despite life changes. The ideal becomes more important than living life.

Western mentality and many religions and philosophies believe that "we need to have a purpose in life." That is "true" but it is not the "truth."

What is the purpose of the sun? We could give many reasons. To give life to this planet, to allow daylight to happen, to maintain a predetermined balance in the solar system or just so I could get a tan at the beach… many purposes, all valid according to time and circumstances. Nevertheless, all of those reasons are just coming from a limited perspective, a one-sided viewpoint. The Sun by itself does not have a purpose. It is simply there as part of a divine balance, movement that we call life.

Human beings on the other hand, will search for a purpose. For some it could be to paint. For others, to be a golf players, for others to be a teacher.. all about "doing" things. A purpose in the "doing" realm is very restrictive. If "I" ever believe that "I" am what "I" do, then at that moment, "I" am not aware that "doing" has nothing to do with a purpose. The "purpose" has always been in "being." However, once we find "being," there is no longer a need for a purpose.

The paradoxes of life are truly amazing. Our belief in a particular word will limit our thinking and our amplitude, our openness to life.

Any intellectual understanding of life itself is incomplete. It will lack grace and beauty. It will lack life.

We could pretend to understand a fish separated from water. That is intellectual understanding. But we know that fish and water go together. This is insight.As we add more elements, we can see that fish, water, sky, day, night, clouds, wind….. all is a togetherness… then we could come closer to what is… as long as we feel it.

Who are the thieves of peace? Why is peace lost in relationships? Complaints, guilt and comparisons are the main destroyers of peace. Instead of complaining, share newness. Instead of looking for someone to blame, take responsibility for improving the situation. Instead of comparing yourself to others, value the good that is in them.

Self-transformation

The process of self-transformation is not a 10-yard dash, but a 150-mile run. Patience and perseverance makes the journey possible. It keeps you cool and calm. So pace yourself.

Understanding the Birth Rebirth Cycle

The realization of the self as a soul, an eternal (always existing) energy, naturally leads to the following questions:

* Where is the soul before it comes into a physical body? * Where does the soul go after it leaves it? * What is the purpose of the world drama?

These are questions that deeply concern human beings, yet until now there isn't 100% conclusive proof of life after death.

The images of "fires of hell" and a heavenly world beyond the clouds are talked about in the world's religions. Yet to the rational and logical minded, the states of living forever tortured in holes of fire (hell) or on the other hand relaxing in complete happiness in a fairy-tale kingdom (heaven), seem far away from the reality of the present.

Most accept that there is some order to the world creation, but viewing our drama through spectacles of body-consciousness it is impossible to see it, as the soul is imprisoned by bodily needs and sensual desires. In body-consciousness the soul is unable to see anything clearly. Only when we are at the point of death does one think about life after death. At funerals, everyone faces the new absence of a loved person, the departure of the personality and the temporary nature of the physical body. Everyone wishes that the person who has died will go to heaven and not to hell.

(To be continued tomorrow ....)

Soul Sustenance Creating A Meditation Space Of Your Own The first step in your journey towards experiencing your true state of inner peace is finding a place or space in your home where you will practice your meditation regularly, even if it's just an armchair. Always use this chair, this space when you can. In this space, place two or three objects, which represent peace to you. Soft music, soft red light and lighting an incense stick ('agarbatti') can make the atmosphere soothing and relaxing. The walls could be decorated with white curtains to create a peaceful and purifying effect. After using this space for your practice of meditation for a few days, you will experience that the atmosphere of this space has elevated itself to a higher positive level and this will help your practice further.

Message for the day

Trust brings help from others

Projection: Many times we find that we are not able to get sufficient help from others. We seem to be struggling all alone. We do expect help from others and might say so in words too, but we find that we are not always able to get full cooperation from others.

Solution: We will not get help from others if we expect and demand from others. Instead we need to develop faith in others that they will help. For this we need to develop total respect for each and everyone. It is this respect that will naturally encourage the other person to help us.

Best Friends

Best FriendsThe title we choseBut what does it mean to be "best friends"?You should see each other every day?Well that's not true for you and meShould silly little fights get in our way?Only if that's how it's meant to beShould we give?Should we borrow?Should we dance like there's not tomorrow?Secrets are tradedPrivacy invadedHugs and smiles are sharedTears are shedLove is spreadWe know that we both really caredI smile, you smileYou cry, I cryI wish, you wishYou die, I dieIf you fallI'll help you upAnd if you callI'll always pick upBest Friends ForeverThe promise we madeAnd I know in my heartThat it will never fade